SPARTA-Shirley A. Fosbinder, 86, of Sparta passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Morrow Home, Sparta. She was born on December 15, 1938 to Robert Miller and Shirley (Deford) Brown, in Sparta. She grew up in the Monroe and Kenosha County areas and graduated from Tomah High School in 1957.
Shirley married Nicholas C. Fosbinder, Sr. on August 10, 1957, in Kenosha where they raised their 10 children until 1977 when they moved back to Sparta. Over the years, Shirley worked at Grant’s Restaurant in Kenosha as a waitress and cook; Warwicks television factory in Zion, IL, as an assembly worker; Fort McCoy as a janitor in food preparation; Country Kitchen in Sparta as a dishwasher; Morrow Home as a housekeeper; and Monroe County Nutrition Site as a food service worker.
Shirley’s hobbies included quilting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. She was a former member of St. Therese Parish in Kenosha where she participated in Christian Mothers and as a parent volunteer for the parochial school attended by her children. In her retirement, she devoted her time volunteering for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in La Crosse. Many have been warmed by her preemie caps; mittens, scarves, and hats; lap and baby quilts; and colorful afghans.
Shirley is survived by her children, Nicholas Fosbinder Jr. of Kenosha, Laura (Randy) Meyers of Kenosha, Kelly Arnold of Sparta, David (Tammy) Fosbinder, of Sparta, Roberta Fosbinder-Bittorf of Tomah, Keith (Kris) Fosbinder of Menomonee, Patrick (Kathy) Fosbinder of Menoqua, Paul (Louise) Fosbinder of Sparta, Andrew Fosbinder of Sparta, and Ann (Carl) Fosbinder-Stockle of Tomah; 28 grandchildren and plenty of great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her siblings Thomas Miller of Portland, OR; Michael Miller of St. Augustine, FL; and Carol Crouch of Sparta. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Miller and Shirley Brown; her husband, Nicholas Sr. on November 14, 1998; granddaughter, Aubrey Willsey; grandson, Danny Hanson; great granddaughter, Savannah Ebert; and siblings, Richard Miller, Victoria Brown, Robert Miller, Donna Duval, James Miller, and 2 infant brothers.
Shirley’s family would like to thank the wonderful and attentive caregivers of Mayo Hospice Care, Sauk County Heath Care Center, and Morrow Memorial Home. Shirley’s journey was less burdened due to your thoughtful caring touch.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating followed by a luncheon in the church basement. Burial will occur in Greenfield Cemetery, Tunnel City. Shirley will rest in peace beside her mother, brothers, and cousins from the Pierce (Miller) family.
A Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
